South Africa has officially joined the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), becoming the 54th member of the continent’s leading development finance institution.
The move, approved by Parliament in 2025, strengthens South Africa’s role in shaping Africa’s economic future.
To kick off the partnership, Afreximbank is rolling out an $8 billion Country Programme aimed at boosting industrial development, regional supply chains, and intra-African trade. The programme aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and its industrial and trade priorities.
As Africa’s largest regional trader, responsible for nearly a fifth of the continent’s total trade in 2024, South Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s expertise and pan-African network to expand exports and strengthen economic linkages across the continent.
“This is a decisive step for Africa’s economic integration,” said Dr George Elombi, Afreximbank President and Chairman. “Together with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, we have created a financial package that will support key sectors and projects.”
The Bank’s current pipeline in South Africa exceeds $6 billion, spanning healthcare, energy, manufacturing, finance, industrial, and mining projects.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the partnership, noting that it would also support the Transformation Fund to help black-owned businesses participate fully in the economy.
Beyond finance, South Africa and Afreximbank will collaborate on trade and investment programmes, industrial parks, special economic zones, project and asset-based financing, and advisory services for creative and cultural industries.
With this partnership, South Africa steps fully into Afreximbank’s continental framework, opening new opportunities for industrial growth, trade, and investment while deepening Africa-wide economic integration.
